Thompson resigns as grid coach

Columbia Falls High School will have a new head football coach next fall.

John Thompson has submitted his resignation as head coach to the School District 6 Board.

Trustees accepted the resignation, with regret, during Monday’s regular meeting. Thompson will retain his position as District 6 athletic director. He is also a science teacher at CFHS.

Thompson served as head coach of the Wildcats for six seasons, from 2003 through 2008, compiling a 27-27 overall record. He was an assistant coach during the 2002 season.

Thompson took over from Kevin Connors, who was head coach for one year in 2002. That season the Wildcats had a 4-4 record.

The Wildcats made significant strides during Thompson’s tenure as head coach. His first year at the helm, the injury-plagued Cats finished with a 3-6 mark. In 2004, the Cats earned their first state playoff berth in 12 years. In the first round, they lost to Stevensville to finish 5-5.

During the 2007 season, he led the Cats to the Class A state playoffs. In their first home playoff game since 1976, the Cats were shut out by Hamilton 24-0 in the opening round. Their overall record was 6-3.

Last fall, the Cats won their first state playoff game in 38 years, edging Corvallis 27-26 on CFHS’ home field. The Cats lost to unbeaten Billings Central 27-13 in the second round to finish the season with a 6-4 mark.

“I’m happy that the program has improved,” Thompson said Thursday. “I’m proud to be associated with the kids in the program. They have done a great job of representing the school.”

Thompson also had words of praise for his six assistant coaches.

“I got to coach with some great guys who have done a great job with the program,” Thompson said.

It’s been basically the same group of coaches for the last six years, according to Thompson.

Those coaches are Jamie Heinz, Bill Coleman, Bob Spencer, Troy Bowman, Dan Fairbank, Tyler Jones and Shaun Forrest. Heinz has been with the Wildcat program the longest, about 10 seasons.

Thompson is in his 15th year with District 6. He began his high school football coaching career during the 1989-90 school year. He was an assistant coach at Wibaux for a year, then served as head coach of the program for four seasons before coming to Columbia Falls.

Thompson believes the Cat coaches will carry on the excellence developed in the football program.

“There are some great people on staff who will do a tremendous job with the program,” he said.

District 6 is accepting applications for the head coaching position.